Colorlines screenshot of Nefertite Nguvbu's "In The Morning," taken from the film's Kickstarter promotional video on October 30, 2015.

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After a successful run at festivals around the world, sold out screenings and numerous high-profile awards, “In The Morning” will be released independently—and the director is crowdfunding to bring it to theaters near you.

Nefertite Nguvu’s acclaimed ensemble drama focuses on the lives of nine black thirty-somethings in Brooklyn as they fall in love with one another and deal with the aftermath. Described by the Philadelphia Inquirer as “like ‘The Big Chill’—if written by Zora Neale Hurston,” the movie’s stunning cinematography (courtesy of legendary cinemaographer and short-film director Arthur Jafa) and immersive script tell the story of black lives not often displayed with depth in contemporary cinema. With rising stars Emayatzy Corinealdi (“Middle of Nowhere,” “Miles Ahead”), Kim Hill (formerly of the Black Eyed Peas) and Jacky Ido (Shonda Rimes’s “The Catch”) included among the exemplary cast, “In The Morning” is a powerhouse film for all manner of fans.

Nguvu has taken to Kickstarter to secure the film’s independent release and distribution. Just over $4,000 of the $25,000 goal has already been pledged, with 24 days to go. Funds raised will go towards music rights, publicity, travel and other associated costs. Nguvu hopes to collaborate with local cultural institutions to mount theatrical releases in New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles and make the premieres accessible to a broader audience. She also wants to stream the film via VOD platforms in spring of 2016. Backers can receive pre-release streams of the film and its original score, private screenings, trips to premieres and other notable rewards.

As she says on the campaign page, the film’s independent distribution is about empowering the diverse content that audiences want:

If we exceed our fundraising goal, we can expand our theatrical release to more cities and bolster our promotional campaign. There is so much conversation about the lack of diversity and access in the film industry, but ultimately the power lies with us. Let’s move beyond the conversation and into action. Join us, and let’s use our collective voice to be a part of shifting the paradigm.

For these reasons, and so many more, the campaign for “In The Morning’s” independent distribution is a more-than-worthy #FundraiserFriday.